Castor-Oil Plant

Ricinus communisbelongs to the Spurge family, Euphorbiaceae and comes from Africa originally where it becomes a perennial tree, in the Mediterranean area it is a bush lasting 2-3 years while here with us it is an annual. This is a typical solitaire for big beds and borders or pots with its vigorous way of growing and large, deeply cut, shiny leaves. The stalks of the flowers bear panicle-shaped blooms and coloured fruits which resemble chestnuts and can grow 2 m long. The castor-oil plant wants good access to nutrients, water, sun and warmth. The seeds of the castor oil plants are highly toxic.

SOWING: Sow the large seeds, with hard hulls indoors, in March, 2-3 cm deep. They need 2-3 weeks to germinate. Set them out when the risk of frost is over.